Mark
08-24-03, 08:51 PM
I see there was already an Open Range thread started under the "Upcoming Movies" forum, but I couldn't find any current discussions now that the film has been released. If I'm wrong, sorry for this duplicate thread. Someone please direct me to the correct place for discussion.
In the mean time:
First of all, I'll start off by saying I really liked this film. When it becomes available to buy, I will be purchasing.
Regarding Costner:
Costner seems to be like a roller coaster. I'm not a HUGE fan of Costner, and by no means feel the need to defend him, but I've really liked some of his films, while others I could do without. He seems to get knocked as being flat with not much range. Whatever the critisism, he not only plays his part in Open Range very convincingly, but he does a terrific job directing. Although Dances with Wolves will probably go down as his most critically acclaimed film, Open Range should follow as a close second.
Regarding Duvall:
Duvall makes this film a success more than any other factor in the film. There will, no doubt, be comparisons to his role in "Lonesome Dove," which is one of the best western characters on film (even though it was made for TV). Because of the acclaim he received for that role, I think the institutions that recognize such performances will nominate him for his role in Open Range, as well. If they don't, it would be a huge injustice.
Regarding the story:
It seems that a lot of popular films these days play on the theme of revenge. I believe this to be a very shallow theme, but my guilty pleasures enjoy it very much. Unforgiven, The Patriot, Gladiator, and Braveheart are just a few of the films that played off this theme, and I own everyone of them. The theme of Open Range certainly involves revenge, and like the other films mentioned above, no matter how shallow that theme, it most definitely has a way of building suspense as the audience prepares for justice.
The climax of this film left me satisfied, and there were some very unique, original, and memorable moments and lines that Costner should be recognized for. However, the climax also involved some things that seemed very "Hollywood," but once again, my guilty pleasures enjoyed them.
The story also avoided falling into the trap of using humor or comedy relief to hook an audience's affection. When Costner and Duvall's characters delivered comedic lines, they were natural and seemed to have purpose in developing their characters and relationships (example: the chocolate bar and cigar scenes; fancy tea set handles being too small for their fingers; Costner/Duvall discussing how they're like an old married couple).
Complaints:
As I said earlier, I really enjoyed this film, so my complaints are minor and won't detract from my enjoyment of this film in future viewings. From the beginning of the climax to the end of the film seemed to take too long. Costner's character's love for Benning's character seemed one-sided. He didn't do anything to win her love. He was attracted to her, acted like a gentleman, professed his love, and claimed his past made him unworthy. This part of the story was weak, in my opinion, as I had no strong concerns that they might not get together at the end of the film. I had no feelings one way or the other regarding their relationship. Benning's love for Costner seemed to be of the "He-loves-me-and-I'm-getting-old/Maybe-this-is-my-last-chance" type of love (if there is such a genre of love :confused: ).
Thoughts? Comments?
In the mean time:
First of all, I'll start off by saying I really liked this film. When it becomes available to buy, I will be purchasing.
Regarding Costner:
Costner seems to be like a roller coaster. I'm not a HUGE fan of Costner, and by no means feel the need to defend him, but I've really liked some of his films, while others I could do without. He seems to get knocked as being flat with not much range. Whatever the critisism, he not only plays his part in Open Range very convincingly, but he does a terrific job directing. Although Dances with Wolves will probably go down as his most critically acclaimed film, Open Range should follow as a close second.
Regarding Duvall:
Duvall makes this film a success more than any other factor in the film. There will, no doubt, be comparisons to his role in "Lonesome Dove," which is one of the best western characters on film (even though it was made for TV). Because of the acclaim he received for that role, I think the institutions that recognize such performances will nominate him for his role in Open Range, as well. If they don't, it would be a huge injustice.
Regarding the story:
It seems that a lot of popular films these days play on the theme of revenge. I believe this to be a very shallow theme, but my guilty pleasures enjoy it very much. Unforgiven, The Patriot, Gladiator, and Braveheart are just a few of the films that played off this theme, and I own everyone of them. The theme of Open Range certainly involves revenge, and like the other films mentioned above, no matter how shallow that theme, it most definitely has a way of building suspense as the audience prepares for justice.
The climax of this film left me satisfied, and there were some very unique, original, and memorable moments and lines that Costner should be recognized for. However, the climax also involved some things that seemed very "Hollywood," but once again, my guilty pleasures enjoyed them.
The story also avoided falling into the trap of using humor or comedy relief to hook an audience's affection. When Costner and Duvall's characters delivered comedic lines, they were natural and seemed to have purpose in developing their characters and relationships (example: the chocolate bar and cigar scenes; fancy tea set handles being too small for their fingers; Costner/Duvall discussing how they're like an old married couple).
Complaints:
As I said earlier, I really enjoyed this film, so my complaints are minor and won't detract from my enjoyment of this film in future viewings. From the beginning of the climax to the end of the film seemed to take too long. Costner's character's love for Benning's character seemed one-sided. He didn't do anything to win her love. He was attracted to her, acted like a gentleman, professed his love, and claimed his past made him unworthy. This part of the story was weak, in my opinion, as I had no strong concerns that they might not get together at the end of the film. I had no feelings one way or the other regarding their relationship. Benning's love for Costner seemed to be of the "He-loves-me-and-I'm-getting-old/Maybe-this-is-my-last-chance" type of love (if there is such a genre of love :confused: ).
Thoughts? Comments?